Lauchernalp

Reached by cable car from Wiler, Lauchernalp is a small mountain village with a peaceful atmosphere, far removed from Switzerland's busier ski resorts. Traditional wooden chalets, a handful of mountain restaurants and views across the Lötschental Valley give it plenty of character. The valley remains well known for its centuries-old customs, including the distinctive hand-carved Tschäggättä masks worn during the winter carnival. Although it feels private and tucked away, Geneva Airport is only around 2 and half hours away and Bern can be reached in under two hours.

Lauchernalp's ski area extends to 3111 metres on the Hockenhorngrat, providing reliable snow conditions throughout the winter. The descent back to Wiler is one of the longest runs on the mountain, and the open terrain has made the resort particularly popular with freeriders looking for untouched powder away from the crowds. At the summit, an observation platform and Europe's highest winter hiking trail look out across more than 40 peaks over 4000 metres, making it worth heading to the top for both skiers and non-skiers!

Summer in Lauchernalp centres around the Lötschental, one of Switzerland's most preserved Alpine valleys. Walking and mountain biking trails lead to places such as Kummenalp, Fafleralp and the historic Lötschen Pass, with routes also reaching the impressive Lang Glacier at the head of the valley. As the snow melts, wildflower-filled meadows replace the ski slopes, giving the landscape a completely different feel. The cable car continues to run throughout the summer, making it easy to access the high-altitude walking trails and panoramic viewpoints without a long climb.